Irwin's recovery coming along 'smoother' than he expected
Jeromy Irwin is no stranger to the rehab process. He injured his left foot three separate times as an underclassman, and underwent multiple surgeries. And just two games into the 2015 season, the injury bug bit again and Irwin suffered a torn ACL.
With Irwin sidelined and a number of inexperienced players in the mix, Colorado's offensive line struggled last season, allowing 33 sacks and 117 pressures. No team in the Pac-12 gave up more sacks.
“It sucked, especially when things would fall apart,” Irwin said of not being able to participate in the Buffs' final 11 games last fall. “When you sit there and watch and know that part of it is because you're out, it is tough. But for our young guys, it was great. They got so much experience. I think this year that will really help us on the line.”
After last Saturday's spring game, Jeromy and his brother Sean Irwin were lifting up fans on their shoulders for photo opportunities. Although he did not participate during spring ball, it is clear Jeromy's recover from his most recent injury is coming along well.
“I have started my agility work and my pass sets and running straight forward and all that, so really it is just getting my quad stronger,” he said. “I am doing great right now. It is going smoother than I thought.”
Irwin expects to be given the green light to fully participate in the Buffaloes' strength and conditioning program sometime in June or July.
“We just want to make sure that I come back 100 percent,” he said. “I don't want to rush anything and not be ready for next season, that wouldn't be good at all. So I am kind of just taking it day-by-day and trying to get back to 100 percent. I am almost there, soon enough I'll be back.”
In addition to rehabbing his knee, Irwin has logged log hours in the weight room adding muscle to his upper-body. After playing around 290-pounds last season, Irwin is up to 305-pounds.
“Now I just need to work on getting these legs back,” he said.
Because he has missed the majority of two seasons due to injuries, Irwin will be eligible to apply for a medical hardship waiver after the 2016 season. So he is expected to have two more years to play with the Buffaloes.
Despite all the injuries, Irwin has still seen action in 23 games as a Buff. During his redshirt sophomore season, he started to establish himself as one of Colorado's best offensive linemen. He is expected to man the starting left tackle spot this fall.
Head coach Mike MacIntyre praised Irwin this spring for his increased role as a leader.
“I have been around the block. I was on some successful teams in high school but in college I haven't,” Irwin said. “You have to have people that lead and set [a good] example. I am one of the oldest guys on the team, I figured if anybody is going to lead it is going to be me and other upperclassmen. I want to win."
